How to Change RV Tires

Changing a tire on a car is no big deal; jack it up, switch the bad tire with the good and viola. But what happens when you're driving something far bigger than a car--an RV, for example? Relax--changing an RV tire isn't all that hard, either.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

2 RV jacks (or 1 RV leveler)
Tire
Wrench

Step 1

Position one RV jack just behind the back wheel and the other just in front of the front wheel. Be sure that the jack is "gripping" the frame of the RV.

Step 2

Jack up the jack in the back until it makes contact with the frame.

Step 3

Jack up the jack in the front until it, too, has made contact with the frame. Now jack it up three more pumps.

Step 4

Jack the back jack three more pumps. Continue to alternate between the front and back jack, three pumps at a time, until that side of the RV is high enough off of the ground that the tires can spin freely. Do not jack it up any higher than this.

Step 5

Use a wrench to remove the lug nuts holding the bad tire in place. Set them aside in a safe place, since you'll be using them again in a few moments.

Step 6

Remove the bad tire and mount the new tire. Replace the lug nuts and use the wrench to tighten them well.

Tips & Warnings

Some companies manufacture RV leveler-like products specifically for changing tires (one example: the Trailer-Aid). They simply require that you drive your good tire onto them, thereby lifting that side of your RV and allowing you to change the bad tire--all without the use of jacks.

Make sure the emergency brake is on before attempting to change an RV tire.

Put wheel chocks beneath the two wheels still on the ground; you don't want the RV moving during the tire change.

Never put any part of your body underneath the RV at any time during the tire change, even if it is only an inch off of the ground.

As soon as possible after changing your RV tire, visit a repair shop to have the lug nuts torqued properly.

If at all possible, call roadside assistance to handle the tire change for you.

Article Written By William Jackson

William Jackson has written, reported and edited professionally for more than 10 years. His work has been published in newspapers, magazines, scholarly journals, high-level government reports, books and online. He holds a master's degree in humanities from Pennsylvania State University.

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